Rugby League World Cup Winners List by Year
Rugby league fans love a good debate about the greatest World Cup team of all time, and everyone has a favourite final.
But when you look at the actual winners list, the story is surprisingly one-sided, and it has been for decades.
Since the first tournament in 1954, the men’s Rugby League World Cup has been won by only three nations: Australia (12 titles), Great Britain (3) and New Zealand (1).
Australia are also the reigning champions. They beat Samoa 30–10 in the 2021 final, which was played at Old Trafford in 2022.
Below, you’ll find every winner by year, along with the runner-up, the final score and the host country.
We’ve also added the women’s and wheelchair winners, plus quick answers to the questions fans ask most often.
Rugby League World Cup Winners List by Year
Here is every men’s Rugby League World Cup, from the first tournament in France to the most recent final in England.
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Final score | Host |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1954 | Great Britain | France | 16–12 | France |
| 1957 | Australia | Great Britain | No final (league format) | Australia |
| 1960 | Great Britain | Australia | No final (league format) | England |
| 1968 | Australia | France | 20–2 | Australia and New Zealand |
| 1970 | Australia | Great Britain | 12–7 | England |
| 1972 | Great Britain | Australia | 10–10 (won on league position) | France |
| 1975 | Australia | England | 25–0 | Various |
| 1977 | Australia | Great Britain | 13–12 | Australia and New Zealand |
| 1985–88 | Australia | New Zealand | 25–12 | Home and away |
| 1989–92 | Australia | Great Britain | 10–6 | Home and away |
| 1995 | Australia | England | 16–8 | England and Wales |
| 2000 | Australia | New Zealand | 40–12 | UK, Ireland and France |
| 2008 | New Zealand | Australia | 34–20 | Australia |
| 2013 | Australia | New Zealand | 34–2 | England and Wales |
| 2017 | Australia | England | 6–0 | Australia, New Zealand and PNG |
| 2021 | Australia | Samoa | 30–10 | England (played in 2022) |
In 1957 and 1960, there was no final. The title went to the team that finished top of the table.
The 1972 final ended 10–10 after extra time. Great Britain were crowned champions because they had finished top of the group.
Want the full story behind these results? Our Rugby League World Cup history guide covers how the tournament began and how it has changed.
Which Country Has Won the Most Rugby League World Cups?
Australia, by a long way. The Kangaroos have won 12 of the 16 men’s World Cups played so far.
| Country | Titles | Winning years |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 12 | 1957, 1968, 1970, 1975, 1977, 1985–88, 1989–92, 1995, 2000, 2013, 2017, 2021 |
| Great Britain | 3 | 1954, 1960, 1972 |
| New Zealand | 1 | 2008 |
Since 1975, Australia have won every men’s World Cup except one. That one exception came in 2008.
Who Won the Last Rugby League World Cup?
Australia won the last Rugby League World Cup. They beat Samoa 30–10 in the final at Old Trafford, Manchester.
The tournament is called the 2021 World Cup, but it was played in late 2022 after being postponed because of COVID-19.
Samoa’s run to the final was one of the stories of the tournament. They knocked out hosts England in a thrilling semi-final.
New Zealand’s Famous 2008 Win
New Zealand are the only country other than Australia and Great Britain to win the men’s World Cup.
They did it in 2008, beating Australia 34–20 in the final at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. It is still one of the biggest upsets in the tournament’s history.
Great Britain or England? Why the Names Changed
Great Britain played at the World Cup as one team until the 1989–92 tournament. Their final appearance was the 1992 final at Wembley.
From 1995 onwards, England and Wales entered separately, and Scotland and Ireland later joined too.
That is why Great Britain’s three titles are listed separately from England. England have reached three finals, in 1975, 1995 and 2017, but have never won the trophy.
Women’s Rugby League World Cup Winners
The women’s tournament began in 2000. New Zealand won the first three, and Australia have won every edition since.
| Year | Winner | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | New Zealand | Great Britain |
| 2003 | New Zealand | New Zealand Māori |
| 2008 | New Zealand | Australia |
| 2013 | Australia | New Zealand |
| 2017 | Australia | New Zealand |
| 2021 | Australia | New Zealand |
Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup Winners
England and France have shared every Wheelchair World Cup title so far, with two wins each.
| Year | Winner | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | England | Australia |
| 2013 | France | England |
| 2017 | France | England |
| 2021 | England | France |
Who Will Win the 2026 Rugby League World Cup?
The next chapter starts on 15 October 2026, with the Men’s and Women’s Finals at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on 15 November.
Australia start as defending champions, but New Zealand, Samoa and Tonga all have squads packed with NRL stars.
Catch up on the contenders with our RLWC 2026 teams guide, and the Samoa and Fiji squad pages.
If you want to see history being made in person, tickets start from $19 AUD. Our RLWC 2026 tickets guide shows where to buy safely.
Rugby League World Cup Winners: FAQ
Who has won the most Rugby League World Cups?
Australia have won the most, with 12 men’s titles. Great Britain have won 3 and New Zealand 1.
Who won the last Rugby League World Cup?
Australia won the 2021 World Cup, played in 2022, beating Samoa 30–10 in the final at Old Trafford.
Which country was the first outside Australia and Great Britain to win the Rugby League World Cup?
New Zealand, in 2008. They beat Australia 34–20 in the final in Brisbane.
When did Great Britain last play at the Rugby League World Cup?
Great Britain last competed as a single team in the 1989–92 World Cup, losing the 1992 final to Australia at Wembley. England and Wales have entered separately since 1995.
Has England ever won the Rugby League World Cup?
No. England have reached the final three times, in 1975, 1995 and 2017, but lost to Australia each time.
How often is the Rugby League World Cup held?
It is now held every four years. After RLWC 2026, the next men’s World Cup is due in 2030.
Conclusion
Australia have dominated the Rugby League World Cup, winning 12 of the 16 men’s tournaments, including the last one.
Only Great Britain and New Zealand have broken that run, and New Zealand’s famous 2008 win is the last time anyone else lifted the trophy.
In the women’s game, the Jillaroos have won the last three titles, while England are the reigning wheelchair champions. Read the full story in our Rugby League World Cup history guide.
The next chapter starts on 15 October 2026, with the final at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on 15 November. See every match in our Rugby League World Cup 2026 schedule, and book your seats with our tickets guide.
For official tournament news, visit rlwc2026.com.
